A number of our Social Security Disability clients suffer from interstitial cystitis. Individuals suffering from this disorder frequently experience the following symptoms:
- urinary frequency,
- urinary urgency, and
- pain (especially pelvic)
The course of prescribed treatment can include narcotic pain medications and bladder surgery. While not all individuals who have been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis will be found disabled under Social Security rules, one source of information for people with interstitial cystitis that we recommend is the Interstitial Cystitis Organization. The Interstitial Cystitis Organization is full of information and resources to those suffering from interstitial cystitis, and you can get find out more at www.ichelp.org or 1-800-HELP-ICA.
Recently we have assisted individuals with severe interstitial cystitis in getting either Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income. Their cases were among the more severe of those suffering with the disease. The degree of frequency and severity of an individual’s symptoms are unique in each case and will determine, to a large degree, whether a claimant will be granted benefits.
Some diseases are included in Social Security’s Listing of impairments and some are not. In some instances, a disease, while not Listed, is addressed in a Social Security Ruling. The Rulings offer guidance but do not set out specific criteria for an award of benefits. Other diseases are not in the Listings or recognized in a Social Security Ruling.
Regardless of the disease, you or your lawyer should have:
- a good working list of your symptoms,
- a knowledge of the degree of certainty of your diagnosis,
- a general understanding of the consistency between your symptoms and your diagnosis,
- a good understanding of what evidence might best support your contention that your symptoms are disabling, and
- which legal theory will most likely be accepted by the Social Security Administration given the particular facts of the entire case.
If you, or someone you know, is suffering from severe interstitial cystitis with urinary frequency and urinary urgency, consider contacting the Interstitial Cystitis Organization for additional information on the disorder. If you are considering a Social Security Disability claim, we advise you to speak with an attorney. We handle cases throughout the state of Texas, but we are always happy to give you a referral if we are unable to assist you.
